Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain

The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC), also known as the respiratory chain, is a series of protein complexes and small molecules embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Its primary function is to transfer electrons from electron donors (NADH and FADH₂) to oxygen via a sequence of redox reactions, ultimately generating ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. Dysfunction in any component can lead to impaired energy production and contribute to various diseases including neurodegenerative disorders, myopathies, ischemia-reperfusion injury, aging-related decline, and more. Recent research shows that ETC complexes can assemble into larger structures called supercomplexes ("respirasomes"), which may optimize efficiency and regulation depending on metabolic state.

Other names

Respiratory ChainETCOxidative Phosphorylation System

Inhibition of electron transfer, uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation